Unearthing Stories, Celebrating Legacies
Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve, celebrate, and promote the rich history and contributions of Black British communities in Camden, fostering understanding and inspiring future generations.
Background and History
Established in 2023, Camden Black British History originated from a grassroots pilot project aimed at redressing the underrepresentation of Black history in Camden’s archives. The initiative celebrates the legacy and heritage of African and Caribbean communities while spotlighting significant historical individuals who advanced social and political change in local, national, and international contexts. By uncovering and preserving these often overlooked stories, Camden Black British History ensures their contributions are recognised, documented, and valued for generations to come.
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What We Do
Camden Black British History (CBBH) is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and celebrating the history and legacy of African and Caribbean communities in Camden. We achieve this by working with archives, engaging with local communities, and partnering with the arts and cultural industries.
As a hub for history, arts, and culture, CBBH offers a welcoming space where individuals can connect with like-minded people, engage in creative activities, and access valuable public information.
CBBH is the first and only establishment in Camden focused on preserving and highlighting the borough’s African and Caribbean local history, while celebrating the achievements of both past and present individuals and communities.
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What We Do
Camden Black British History (CBBH) is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and celebrating the history and legacy of African and Caribbean communities in Camden. We achieve this by working with archives, engaging with local communities, and partnering with the arts and cultural industries.
As a hub for history, arts, and culture, CBBH offers a welcoming space where individuals can connect with like-minded people, engage in creative activities, and access valuable public information.
CBBH is the first and only establishment in Camden focused on preserving and highlighting the borough’s African and Caribbean local history, while celebrating the achievements of both past and present individuals and communities.
Resources and Facilities
CBBH Community Hub
We offer free services and facilities to individuals whose artistic work promotes empathy, understanding, and dialogue among diverse audiences, while highlighting the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of the Black experience.
Our space is equipped with a unique library collection, featuring books that are not typically available in public libraries, along with an archives depository service. We provide information and free consultation sessions on topics related to Black history.
Additionally, we offer audio/visual recording space for local artists and host exhibitions and events for Camden community groups and residents. For evening recording space availability, please contact us for more details.
Opening Times
Mondays (appointments only): 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (drop-in)
Wednesdays: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (drop in)
Thursdays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (drop-in)
Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (drop-in)
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Resources and Facilities
CBBH Community Hub
We offer free services and facilities to individuals whose artistic work promotes empathy, understanding, and dialogue among diverse audiences, while highlighting the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of the Black experience.
Our space is equipped with a unique library collection, featuring books that are not typically available in public libraries, along with an archives depository service. We provide information and free consultation sessions on topics related to Black history.
Additionally, we offer audio/visual recording space for local artists and host exhibitions and events for Camden community groups and residents. For evening recording space availability, please contact us for more details.
Opening Times
Mondays (appointments only): 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (drop-in)
Thursdays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (drop-in)
Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (drop-in) (currently closed until further notice)
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Facilities
• Exhibition space
• Large audio/visual recording room
• Meeting room availability
Services
• Library collection
• Archives Depository
• Information and guidance
• Informal drop-in sessions and exhibition viewings
In partnership with the local council, we offer an archives depository service for Camden residents interested in donating archival materials to the borough’s local archive centre for long-term preservation and public access. We accept a range of items, including correspondence, diaries, journals, manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, and audio/video recordings that reflect lived experiences.
Community Engagement Programme
We collaborate with museums, libraries, communities, arts institutions, and educational providers to explore, research, and create innovative learning opportunities. The programme includes talks, presentations, workshops, and a touring exhibition.
Projects
We engage volunteers aged 18+ to help collect the stories of Camden’s Black communities for our HIDDEN VOICES project.
If you are a Camden resident interested in learning about the lives and experiences of local people and uncovering the HIDDEN VOICES of the borough, this project is for you. Volunteers will receive training in conducting interviews, researching archival materials, and exploring the heritage of people and places in Camden.
We are proud to be part of the Open Collective community, supporting collaboration and shared resources for social impact. By clicking the Open Collective button below, you will be directed to our page, where you can find more information about our projects, ways to get involved, and how you can support us.
Connect with us !
Get In Touch
CBBH Community Hub: 18 Malden Road, NW5 3HN
info@camdenbbh.org
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